Toll Roads Question

Question

We are flying into Boston next month and will be renting a car. We are going to a Red Sox game and we'll likely end up spending an additional day in Boston, and then we'll be driving up to Maine, going to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. My question is about toll roads. How are tolls paid when we're in a rental car? Are there toll booths that accept cash? Any help is much appreciated, thanks.

Answer

When you're driving in Massachusetts and beyond, especially as you head toward Maine, you'll encounter several toll roads. Here’s what you need to know about tolls when you're renting a car:

1. Toll Payment Methods in Rental Cars

In most rental cars, you'll have the option to pay tolls electronically, using a system known as E-ZPass. E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system used on most toll roads in the Northeast, including in Massachusetts and Maine.

E-ZPass: Many rental companies in Boston (like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis) offer an E-ZPass transponder that you can use during your rental period. The transponder is usually either provided in the car or made available for a daily fee. This allows you to drive through toll booths without stopping to pay cash. The tolls will be automatically charged to your rental account. Make sure to ask your rental company whether the car comes with E-ZPass or if you need to request one.
Rental Company Toll Payment System: Some rental agencies also have their own toll payment systems in place, which work similarly to E-ZPass. The rental company will charge you for any tolls you pass through, plus a small administrative fee.

2. Cash Payment for Tolls

While cash toll booths are becoming less common, you will still find them in some places, especially on older toll roads. However, many toll booths, especially on highways leading in and out of Boston (like the Massachusetts Turnpike), have switched to all-electronic tolling (AET). This means you may not find cash options available, and you’ll need to rely on E-ZPass or pay by mail.

Cash at Toll Booths: Some toll booths, like those in more rural areas, may still accept cash. But be aware that these are increasingly rare, especially in the Boston area.
Pay by Mail: If you pass through an all-electronic toll without an E-ZPass, the system will take a photo of your license plate and send you a bill by mail, which you can pay online. This can be a hassle, and rental cars can incur additional fees for this process. Therefore, it's better to either use an E-ZPass or arrange for electronic tolling through your rental company.

3. Toll Roads on Your Route

As you travel from Boston to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, you will encounter several toll roads:

Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90): This is a major toll road heading west from Boston. It is all-electronic, and you’ll need an E-ZPass or a similar device to avoid paying by mail.
Route 1A in Maine: There are a few tolls on your route to Maine, especially on I-95. The toll booths here often use electronic tolling, and some may still accept cash.
Bar Harbor/Acadia Area: Once you’re near Bar Harbor and Acadia, tolls become less frequent, but keep an eye out for any road signs indicating toll collection points.

4. Tips for Driving with a Rental Car and Tolls

Ask about E-ZPass: Before you leave the rental counter, make sure to ask if the car is equipped with an E-ZPass transponder. If not, ask if you can rent one for a daily fee.
Consider the Toll Payment Fees: Rental companies may charge a daily fee for using E-ZPass, even if you don’t use it every day. It’s a good idea to ask about the costs associated with the toll device to avoid surprises.
Check Your Rental Agreement: Rental car agreements often include information about toll payment procedures, so be sure to read this section carefully.

In summary, while some toll booths may still accept cash, most toll roads in Massachusetts and Maine now use electronic tolling systems. Using E-ZPass is the easiest and most efficient way to pay for tolls in a rental car, but be sure to confirm whether your rental car includes this feature or if you need to opt in for it. If you're unsure, ask your rental company for the best solution for your trip.